Human Trafficking, we have heard these words so many times, but what does it mean? The official definition, according to the dictionary is, “the unlawful act of transporting or coercing people in order to benefit from their work or service, typically in the form of forced labour or sexual exploitation”.

My definition of Human Trafficking is, “Human Trafficking, is an evil act carried out by people who have no conscience, no compassion, no feelings for another human being whatsoever. It’s an act of pure greed and evil. A person, woman or child or young men, is looked upon as an object to be sold and made money out of. They are not seen as human beings, because the trafficker is human, in his or her eyes, but the victim is not, the victim is a commodity, a product to be sold for money. In my opinion the Human Traffickers are incapable of looking at the victims they choose to sell, as humans like themselves. If this way of thinking isn’t pure evil, then what is?

Human Trafficking is a business where the product is another human being, a child or woman or young man. The mission of this business is to make profit, just like any other business. This business is based on supply and demand. As long as there is a demand for a child, woman, or man to be tortured, these Human Traffickers will stay in business. And unfortunately, the demand is great. Are the Human Traffickers the only ones who are evil? No. The buyers are an even worse evil!!!

Those people that think it is ok to buy a child, woman, or man in order to use them for labor or sex are truly sick, I honestly can’t even call them human beings. They find pleasure in inducing pain and torment on another person. Even in forced labor, not just sexual exploitation. It’s modern day slavery at its best.

Every time I meet a Human Traffic survivor or read about one, or hear stories, I feel immense anger and immense sadness at the same time. Immense anger at the Trafficker, how dare these people sell another person to be tortured without any remorse. Who do they think they are? Why do they think their lives and greed is above that of the one they sold?

Immense sadness for the survivor! Not just for what they have been through but how it has now affected the rest of their lives. I call them “survivors” not “victims” because they made it through. “Victim” is such a negative word, and yes they were victims while they were going through the ordeal, but they made it through which makes them “survivors”, a positive word that depicts strength and courage. Each and every survivor of Human Trafficking is strong and courageous beyond measure and we need to recognize that in them. Not only that but we need to constantly remind them of this, they are survivors! So much has already been taken from them, their dignity, their self worth, their self respect, all stripped from them by another human being. But they made it through, broken and battered, but alive. And as long as they breathe they have hope. And in some shape or form, those of us who have sworn to fight this evil, will do what we can to give them this hope. There can be life after this, all they need to do is believe it. A tough task for each and every one of us who have taken on this battle against Human Trafficking. Tough but not impossible!

It doesn’t matter which way you choose to be a part of this battle, and yes it is a battle, the most important thing is that you choose to join this battle. That you choose not to ignore this evil any longer. Whether it is through being aware, spreading awareness, volunteering at an NGO that is fighting this battle already, or whichever way you feel moved. Like I said, the most important thing is that you do something and no longer remain a spectator while this evil reigns. Join the battle!!

Much love,
Shalini

 Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 to: GET HELP and connect with a service provider in your area; REPORT A TIP with information on potential human trafficking activity; or. LEARN MORE by requesting training, technical assistance, or resources.